The Port of East London marked a significant milestone last week with the simultaneous berthing of two pure car carriers at its newly upgraded automotive berth.
According to Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA), this achievement underscores the port’s recent infrastructure improvements, which now allow two new-generation car carrier vessels—each over 200 meters long—to dock along the West Quay at the same time.
“This operational milestone highlights the successful upgrade of our automotive berth, which now supports the simultaneous berthing of the world’s largest pure car carriers,” said TNPA.
“The upgrade has doubled the berth’s design capacity to handle up to 790,000 vehicle units annually.”
The two vessels—MV Silver Sun (182.71 meters) and MV Martorell Ace (199.54 meters)—docked at the West Quay, which now boasts a 10.7-meter depth and a total quay length of 550 meters.
TNPA emphasized that this smooth berthing operation reinforces East London’s strategic role in the automotive logistics chain.
The port continues to implement its turnaround strategy in collaboration with terminal operators and clients to deliver purpose-fit infrastructure.
This development is a key indicator of TNPA’s commitment to supporting the recovery of automotive volumes and improving operational efficiency across the port.
